[Reuters]
[Reuters]

The contrasting behavior of the South Korean and Japanese national team coaches following their eliminations from the 2026 North America World Cup has drawn wide attention.

Soccer commentator Park Moon-sung posted a photo on his Instagram on Tuesday showing Japan head coach Moriyasu Hajime bowing at a 90-degree angle toward a crowd of Japanese supporters in the stadium.

Alongside the photo, Park wrote that Moriyasu had bowed to fans who came to cheer after Japan was eliminated following a comeback defeat to Brazil. He added: "What we're asking for isn't much. Is it really that hard?"

The post appeared to be directed at former South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned after the national team was eliminated in the World Cup group stage.

South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses — three points — and failed to advance to the round of 32 after being edged out in the cross-group comparison of third-place finishers.

Hong stepped down at a news conference in Mexico on Sunday, citing responsibility for the team's poor results.

At the news conference, Hong read only a prepared statement, took no questions from reporters and left. His conduct drew criticism after he was seen walking out with his hands in his pockets.

Hong returned to South Korea through Incheon International Airport early Tuesday but left without answering questions from waiting reporters.


min3654@heraldcorp.com